GUDMUNDUR (MUNDI) MYRDAL

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GUDMUNDUR (MUNDI) MYRDAL April 8, 1923 - December 6, 2007 A legacy of kindness, hard work and achievement began in a small brick siding house on Railway Avenue in Lundar, Manitoba, when Mundi, eldest brother to Ethel, Jon, Valdi, and Dorothy was born to Gudni and Jona Myrdal. When he was two, the family followed work to Chicago but after several years returned to purchase a two-storey house and farm in Otto, 14 miles east of Lundar. Having completed his early education in Lundar 1941, Mundi applied for a Permit Teachers Certificate from the Department of Education and was employed by the Vestfold School Board. The following year he entered the U of M pre-med program. He joined the University Air Training Corp, serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force as Navigator/ Bombardier. He received his Honourable Discharge in 1945 and then re-entered the Faculty of Science, studying Honours Botany, Zoology and Chemistry. He obtained his BSc and then his B. Ed at U of M. In late 1947 he met the love of his life, Thelma Johnson, at a dance at the IOGT Hall on Sargent Avenue. Together they spent 59 years creating a story book life of love and ultimate devotion to one and other. Their's was a love that was undying and true. The harmony between them was evident when they floated across the dance floor. Mundi and his new bride moved to Glenboro, MB, where he assumed the position of Assistant Principal and teacher at the high school, teaching Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. His dedication to the health care system in Manitoba began when Mundi graduated in 1955 as a Registered Lab and X ray technician. In this capacity he worked in Neepawa, Brandon, Portage La Prairie and Selkirk. After five years as Chief Technician in Portage, he attended a successful job interview for a vacancy as Selkirk General's new Hospital Administrator. In 1961, one year after accepting the new responsibility, he was called to Winnipeg and offered the position of Consultant in Diagnostic Procedures with the Manitoba Health Services Commission where he became thoroughly familiar with every aspect of hospital operations and planning. In 1964 he was awarded a bursary to pursue his Masters Degree in Hospital Administration. With a few possessions loaded into the 1960 Chevy, the entire family made a move to Toronto where Mundi attended U of T and interned at the New Mount Sinai Hospital. Upon his return Mundi was promoted to Chief Hospital Consultant and shortly thereafter to Assistant Director of the Hospital Services Division. In 1972, the position of Executive Director of the proposed new Seven Oaks General Hospital was advertised. Who better than Mundi for the job? From the time before the first shovel was in the ground until the hospital's official opening, Mundi enthusiastically rose to the challenge of becoming the first CEO of SOGH. The first patient was admitted in January of 1981. His dedication and direction from the initial functional plan created a world class health care facility ahead of its time. Not many had heard of a running track for employee wellness in a hospital. Mundi consulted on many provincial projects including the committee that brought the first CT scanner to Winnipeg. He retired in 1985. He was a charter Founder and Decade Club member of the Canadian College for Health Services Executives, active from 1971 until 1984. He was a lifelong member of the Board of Betel Home Foundation and after retiring Mundi became Office Manager of the Betelstadur Housing Co-op. He was closely involved in the planning and construction of a senior citizen's housing complex. In 1988 Mundi was also appointed part-time Administrator of the Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, retiring in 1991. His involvement with Betelstadur ended in 1989 when he decided that, in retirement, it was just too much to hold two part-time jobs. He was active with the Boy Scouts, Masons and Shriners. Mundi loved to read. He always said that no home was complete without books and music. His baritone voice graced the Icelandic and Scandinavian Male voice choirs for many years. He was his children's number one supporter in their pursuit of music. He was proud of his Icelandic heritage and involved in the Icelandic community. While interests included hunting, gardening, and woodworking, he was a carpenter and man of all trades. Mundi somehow found the time to build five houses and renovate many more. His Heaven on earth was Clear Water Bay, Ontario, where he cleared the land, built a road, swam with logs and built a log cabin completed by a yard beautifully landscaped with fruit trees and flowers. Countless, undying memories were created there and will last forever. Mundi was a gentleman, a man of incredible kindness, patience, wisdom and generosity. His guidance was constant and sure. His acceptance and interest in others was evident until the day he died. Dad truly loved life and most of all his family. His untiring, selfless spirit will forever remain in the hearts of his beloved and dedicated wife Thelma; children, Randy, Joan (Greg Carter), Patrick (Julie nee Rossol), Norma Jane (David Brett) and Jon (Betty nee Harrison); grandchildren, Chelsa and Ian Carter, Alex and Katie Brett; sisters, Dorothy (Ray Sawchuck) and Ethel (Richard Lowe); sisters and brothers-in-law, Audrey and Bill Norberg, Norma Kristjansson, Dr. Herman Johnson, Joey and Verna Johnson, and Dr. Ken and Lois Young as well as many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Gudni and Jona; brothers, Jon and Valdi; and brother-in-law Dr. Gestur Kristjansson. Many thanks to Dr. Ken VanAmeyde whom Dad trusted and respected. A private family service was held on Tuesday, December 11, 2007. Mundi, Dad, Afi, you will be forever in our hearts. We miss you. Goda-Nott Elskan Neil Bardal Inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2007